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lead guitar from “too far gone” by metallica | ToneDB

too far gone

metallica

lead guitar

AI generatedv1.0

Tone Profile

Aggressive and searing high-gain lead tone with a cutting midrange and tight low end, perfect for fast-paced riffs and solos. This sound is characterized by its clarity and definition, ensuring every note rings out with precision.

Gear

ESP Explorerinstrument
Reverb$1499Sweetwater
Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+amp
ReverbSweetwater
Shure SM57microphone
ReverbSweetwater
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808processing
Reverb$120Sweetwater

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The Story

The lead guitar tone on Metallica's "Too Far Gone" was recorded using James Hetfield's ESP Explorer through a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifier, with an Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 used as a signal boost. The track was recorded at Metallica's HQ studio with producer Greg Fidelman and engineer Mike Gillies. A Shure SM57 microphone was used to capture the cabinet, likely placed close to the speaker cone for the direct, aggressive sound.

Production Credits

Producer: Greg Fidelman

Engineer: Mike Gillies

Recorded at: HQ (Metallica's Studio)

Signal Chain

Instrument: ESP Explorer

Amp: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

Microphone: Shure SM57

Processing: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808

Recreation Tips

  • Start with an ESP Explorer-style guitar equipped with high-output humbucker pickups.
  • Use a Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+ amplifier or a similar high-gain amp known for its tight and aggressive sound.
  • Place a Shure SM57 microphone close to the speaker cone, slightly off-axis.
  • Add an Ibanez Tube Screamer in front of the amp, with the drive set low and the level set high to boost the signal.
  • Adjust EQ to cut any muddiness and boost the upper mids for clarity.
  • Use light compression to control dynamics and add sustain.

Original Gear

  • ESP Explorer(guitar)
  • Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+(amp)
  • Shure SM57(mic)
  • Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808(pedal)

Substitutions & Recommendations

Mesa/Boogie Mark VII$3,200-$3,500

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

Direct descendant of the IIC+ with similar circuit design and the aggressive midrange punch needed for this cutting lead tone

ReverbSweetwater
Neural DSP Fortin Cali Suite$99-$149

Alternative to: Mesa/Boogie Mark IIC+

Accurately models Mesa/Boogie Mark series amps including the IIC+ mode with the tight low end and searing highs of the original

ReverbSweetwater
ESP E-II Explorer$1,800-$2,200

Alternative to: ESP Explorer

Modern version of Hetfield's signature Explorer shape with high-output EMG pickups for the aggressive attack needed

ReverbSweetwater
Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808 Reissue$180-$220

Alternative to: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808

Exact reissue of the original TS808 circuit providing the same midrange boost and low-end tightening

ReverbSweetwater
Boss SD-1 Super Overdrive$50-$70

Alternative to: Ibanez Tube Screamer TS808

Budget alternative that provides similar midrange boost and signal conditioning when used as a clean boost

ReverbSweetwater

Sources

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